Piece Broke off behind Tire after Hit & Run -- What is it [PICTURE INSIDE]?

Question

Someone did a hit and run on my friend's car and now his driver side back wheel made noises when she turns around corners...when i looked underneath i spotted that this large piece of a bar was broken off:

http://hidebehind.com/3A7108

This vehicle is a: 1991 MERCEDES-BENZ 190E 2.3

Questions:
1. What is this broken piece called?

2. What does it do and is it the reason the car makes sounds at this tire?

3. How much does it cost to fix?

4. Can my friend fix it herself since it appears to just use large bolts?


And finally if you look at this picture: http://hidebehind.com/71C875
Can someone tell me how to take off the tire of this car...I tried using a socket wrench and correct size of socket on this bolts you see in this picture but it doesnt seem to come off. It is as if those aren't really bolts and are just for design...My friend has never changed her tire before so she doesn't know either. It is as if the tire is locked on...Do mercedes vehicles have a special locking system

Answer 1

Your friend reported this to her insurance company when it happened, right? Is she covered? If so, the insurance will help her to get it fixed. If she isn't covered, she still needs to stop driving, call the tow truck, get it to the shop and get it fixed before she causes any more damage.

Answer 2

I don't know what that bar is called, but it looks like it got moved during the hit & run. It may very well be whats causing the noise when your friend turns corners in her care. It looks like the bar might rub on the metal wheel (the rim) when the car is making a turn. I can't tell you how much it will cost to fix it. She can take it to a Benz dealer, they will probably charge her just to look at it, that cost can be taken off of the total cost to fix the car, should she decide to have the dealer fix the car.

Answer 3

This the lower control arm that connects the rear spindle and independent suspension to the frame. It's an easy fix.
To be absolutely sure no other suspension pieces have not been bent have the rear end of your car aligned after replacing the control arm.